Mark 13:24 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light."

This verse is part of a larger passage known as the "Olivet Discourse," in which Jesus speaks to his disciples about the end times and the signs that will precede his second coming. This particular verse is a part of a longer passage in which Jesus is describing the events that will unfold prior to his return to earth.

The theme of this passage is the day of the Lord and the end times. Jesus is speaking of a time of tribulation, darkness, and distress that will precede his return. This verse is meant to serve as a warning and a call to readiness for the believers, as well as a reassurance of God's sovereignty and control over the events that will unfold.

The context of this passage is important for understanding its meaning. In the preceding verses, Jesus warns his disciples about false prophets, wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, and famines, all of which are referred to as the "beginning of sorrows." He then goes on to speak of the abomination of desolation, a sign that will signal the beginning of the great tribulation. It is in this context that Jesus delivers the words of Mark 13:24, as a continuation of the signs that will precede his return.

The symbolism in this verse is rich and significant. The darkening of the sun and the dimming of the moon are common symbols used in apocalyptic literature to signify a great and cosmic upheaval. In the Bible, these celestial events are often associated with judgment and the coming of the day of the Lord. In the book of Joel, for example, the prophet speaks of the sun being darkened and the moon turning to blood as signs of the great and dreadful day of the Lord (Joel 2:31).

The symbolism of the sun and the moon in this verse also carries deeper theological meanings. In the Bible, the sun is often used as a symbol of God's glory and the light of his presence, while the moon is often associated with the church and with Jesus Christ himself. The darkening of the sun and the dimming of the moon in this verse can be seen as a symbol of a time when God's presence and his light will be veiled, and when the church and its influence will be diminished.

Overall, Mark 13:24 is a powerful and evocative verse that speaks to the cosmic and earth-shaking events that will precede the return of Jesus Christ. It is a call to readiness and an exhortation to be watchful and vigilant in the face of the tribulations that will come. It is a reminder of God's sovereignty and control over the events of history, and a reassurance of his ultimate victory and the hope of redemption for those who belong to him.